# Shortform Kit MCP Server

Let your AI assistant read, transcribe and download public social videos and answer with sourced creator data. One URL, no API key.

URL: https://shortformkit.com/mcp-server/
Updated: 2026-10-12

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) lets AI assistants call tools. Shortform Kit runs a free remote MCP server at https://shortformkit.com/mcp (Streamable HTTP). Add it once and ask things like «transcribe this Reel», «what is the caption limit on TikTok?» or «how much does a gaming channel with 200K views a month earn?».

## Tools

- **get_video_info**: title, author, duration, qualities, caption and hashtags of a public post.

- **download_media**: MP4, MP3, image, cover or a frame at a timestamp, optionally only a section. Returns a link valid for 15 minutes.

- **transcribe_video**: Whisper transcript with timestamps, 90+ languages, optional translation to English.

- **youtube_channel_id**: UC channel ID, handle, URL and RSS feed from a @handle or any video link.

- **social_video_specs**: sizes, lengths and caption/hashtag limits for 9 platforms, with sources.

- **creator_monetization**: program requirements, RPM by niche and country, engagement benchmarks, sponsorship rates.

- **loudness_and_subtitles**: LUFS targets, subtitle rules and frame rates, with sources.

- **youtube_thumbnail_trends**: this week's measured thumbnail trends in 10 niches.

- **estimate_youtube_earnings**: ad earnings range from monthly views and niche.

## Add it to your assistant

**Claude (claude.ai and desktop):** Settings, Connectors, Add custom connector, then paste https://shortformkit.com/mcp. Custom connectors depend on your plan.

**Claude Code:**
claude mcp add --transport http shortformkit https://shortformkit.com/mcp

**Cursor** (in ~/.cursor/mcp.json):
{ "mcpServers": { "shortformkit": { "url": "https://shortformkit.com/mcp" } } }

**VS Code** (in .vscode/mcp.json):
{ "servers": { "shortformkit": { "type": "http", "url": "https://shortformkit.com/mcp" } } }

**ChatGPT: where your plan offers custom connectors (developer mode), add the same URL as a connector.**

No API key and no account. The same fair-use rate limit per IP applies as on the website. Downloads are deleted after 15 minutes. Only use it for content you own or are allowed to use. Prefer a normal HTTP API? The [OpenAPI description](https://shortformkit.com/openapi.json) lists every endpoint.

## How it works

1. **Copy the server URL** https://shortformkit.com/mcp
2. **Add it to your assistant** As a custom connector or in the MCP settings, see above.
3. **Ask in plain words** For example: transcribe this TikTok and give me SRT subtitles.

## FAQ

**Is the Shortform Kit MCP server free?**
Yes. No API key, no account, no paid tier. There is a fair-use rate limit per IP.

**Which transport does it use?**
Streamable HTTP at https://shortformkit.com/mcp, stateless with JSON responses. Discovery data is at /.well-known/mcp.json.

**Can it transcribe Instagram Reels and TikToks?**
Yes. The transcribe_video tool takes a public post link and returns a Whisper transcript with timestamps, up to 20 minutes per run.

**Where does the data come from?**
Platform specs, monetization and loudness data are compiled from official help pages and industry reports, each row with its source. Thumbnail trends and the loudness study are our own measurements.


Source: Shortform Kit (https://shortformkit.com/mcp-server/). Free, no login.